The Battle of Yorktown 1781 marked a decisive American victory in the Revolutionary War, where George Washington's strategy at Battle of Yorktown successfully trapped British General Charles Cornwallis, leading to American independence.

• The battle lasted from September 28 to October 19, 1781, in Yorktown, Virginia
• Washington's deceptive strategy involved feigning an attack on New York while secretly moving south
• The combined American and French forces successfully besieged Cornwallis's army
• This victory directly led to peace negotiations and American independence in 1783
• The battle demonstrated Washington's tactical brilliance and strategic leadership